Harvard Griffin GSAS Students:
As you consider the academic job market there is a lot to learn, and a lot to do, and you may have many questions.
Good news! Apart from the disciplinary expertise available in your department, a network of experts at Harvard is ready to help you navigate all aspects of the process.
The Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS)
MCS is your one-stop-shop for all your questions about the academic job search! Laura Stark is the graduate career advisor at MCS who specializes in academic careers, including postdoctoral and faculty positions (tenure-track and non-tenure-track, targeting research- and teaching-focused institutions).
Start here for an overview of the academic job market, including:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- Research Statement
- Teaching Statement
- Diversity Statement
- Preparing for interviews
- Negotiations and Decision-making
- Pursuing jobs beyond academia, too!
Ways to engage:
- Schedule an individual appointment with Laura Stark
- Attend a workshop or career panel, e.g. The View from the Search Committee (fall 2024)
- Review the 20-Minute Tips videos on academic CVs and cover letters, along with samples in the MCS Guide to CVs and Cover Letters
- Explore the webinars and resources for Faculty Careers in Beyond the Professoriate
- Laura Stark and Caroline Rende are also happy to help you explore and pursue opportunities beyond academia! Schedule an individual appointment
- See more MCS events and resources for careers in academia and beyond.
- NOTE: MCS advisors work with current Harvard GSAS students and recent alums (<5 years since graduation).
The Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning
Bok Center advisors are experts in all things teaching and learning. Turn to them for help with:
- Your Teaching Portfolio, including:
- Teaching statement
- Sample Syllabi
- Diversity Statement
- Teaching Demo
Ways to engage:
- Consult the Bok Center’s online resources
- Take a Bok Seminar on Teaching and the Job Market
- Pursue a Teaching Certificate
- Sign up for a consultation
- NOTE: Bok Center advisors work only with current Harvard Griffin GSAS students. Alums should work with Laura Stark at MCS.
The Harvard Griffin GSAS Fellowships and Writing Center (FWC)
FWC staff and postdocs are happy to help you with all of your academic writing needs, including:
- Writing samples
- Research statement
- Job Talk
Ways to engage:
- Submit a piece of writing for feedback
- Come to brainstorming office hours
- Attend a workshop
- Schedule a practice presentation
- NOTE: FWC advisors work only with current Harvard Griffin GSAS students. Alums should work with Laura Stark at MCS.
The Academic Resource Center (ARC)
Need help managing your time, balancing dissertation completion and job search? The ARC can help!
- Schedule an appointment with one of the ARC coaches
- Attend a workshop or participate in an accountability group
- NOTE: ARC advisors work only with current Harvard Griffin GSAS students.
Be sure to consult with your department, faculty, and peers for field-specific advice, but turn to MCS, the Bok Center, FWC, and ARC for additional perspectives and advice!
All of us are happy to partner with departments to offer workshops and provide more tailored guidance. Don’t hesitate to reach out, and don’t forget to check in with your advisors and consult with other faculty in your field who have recently been on search committees.
Good luck!
Content in this blog is adapted from a resource created by the Bok Center for Teaching and Learning:
